Position Overview
The Project Manager 1 leads complex, high-profile projects from initiation through final installation. This role is responsible for managing the full customer experience and internal coordination on large-scale seating projects, such as professional sports stadiums, arenas, and performing arts centers. The Project Manager collaborates closely with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to align project scope, coordinate installation logistics, and ensure project delivery meets customer expectations. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, confident problem-solver, and experienced collaborator in fast-paced, construction-related environments. Travel is required.
Responsibilities
Project Planning & Execution
- Lead all phases of large-scale projects, including project kickoff, schedule development, scope confirmation, change management, and final closeout.
- Interpret and manage project requirements, drawings, and contracts to ensure clarity and alignment across stakeholders.
- Monitor all aspects of project health—scope, timeline, budget, installation progress, and customer satisfaction.
- Coordinate directly with Sales and Engineering to confirm product requirements, drive key decisions, and ensure alignment at all stages.
- Lead job site readiness planning, manage installation partner coordination, and maintain visibility into site progress.
- Travel to customer sites to conduct walkthroughs, attend project meetings, and provide hands-on support for critical phases.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, architects, contractors, and owners’ representatives.
- Build strong relationships and maintain open communication with all external stakeholders to support project goals.
- Lead customer meetings to confirm requirements, review progress, and resolve issues.
- Translate customer needs into actionable internal plans and communicate those effectively across teams.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with internal departments including Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, Installation, and Finance to manage resource needs and scheduling.
- Proactively resolve coordination issues, clarify responsibilities, and manage change requests in a timely and organized fashion.
- Support smooth transitions between project phases and maintain clarity of ownership at all times.
Problem Solving & Risk Management
- Identify potential project risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
- Lead issue resolution related to product, site conditions, or installation, working cross-functionally to deliver solutions.
- Balance multiple high-stakes projects while maintaining professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Monitor and control project costs, including freight, labor, back-charges, and installation expenses.
- Ensure accurate documentation of contract terms, safety compliance, site notes, and change orders.
- Prepare and manage project-related paperwork including contracts, purchase orders, invoicing, and installation closeouts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; degree in business, engineering, construction management, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in project management, preferably within the seating, construction, or architectural products industries.
- Experience managing high-value, highly visible projects from start to finish.
- Strong working knowledge of construction environments and contract language.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.
- Ability to read technical drawings and plans.
- Strong organizational skills and proven ability to manage competing priorities.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Why Irwin?
Founded in 1907, Irwin Seating is a fourth-generation, family-owned company with locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Altamont, Illinois. We bring people together to learn, create, and share meaningful experiences both within our teams and in the spaces we design. You’ll be part of a people-first team that believes in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing. Here, you can build a career you love while growing alongside a company that feels like family.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: The hourly range for this full-time position is $70,000 - $85,000 per year. Individual pay is determined based on several factors, including but not limited to: relevant work experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and complexity of the role. Irwin is happy to offer a full comprehensive benefits package, with insurance coverage starting on the first day of employment.